England's Department for Education released new guidance advising parents to limit screen time for children under the age of five to no more than one hour per day. For children under two, the guidance advises avoiding screens entirely except for shared, interactive use.
The term "screen time" as used in the guidance covers all types of screen use, including computers, tablets, mobile phones, and televisions. About 98 percent of children use screens daily by the age of two, according to a government statement. The guidance notes that ninety percent of brain growth occurs before the age of five and that children learn their most crucial skills in the first year of life, making that period important for human interaction.
According to the government report, a large amount of screen time is linked to negative effects on social, emotional, language, and brain development, as well as on sleep, eyesight, and healthy weight. Government research titled "Children of the 2020s" found that children with around five hours of screen time per day could say fewer words than those who watched around 44 minutes per day. Watching screens with an engaged adult is linked to better cognitive development than using screens alone.
The guidance encourages parents to use their own judgment when deciding on the type of screen time for their children, with joint viewing and discussion being preferable to solo use. It also states that children will copy screen use habits observed in their parents. Parents should avoid background screen watching during family time, the guidance states. At mealtimes, parents can replace screens with background music, conversations, drawing, or a game of "I Spy." At bedtimes, parents should read bedtime stories together and avoid screens for the hour before sleep.
The guidance recommends treating babies as conversational partners by talking about shared activities. Danielle Matthews, professor of psychology at the University of Sheffield, said, "Studies suggest it helps to slow the pace down to allow little children to take their turn in the conversation. Responding to them with language that is tuned in to their interests can really help them to learn to talk." Matthews added, "Parents have got a lot going on and they just want some help with their everyday life and some information that is evidence-based and helpful."
Kate Morton, senior head of commissioning for CBeebies, said, "Screen time should support, not replace, connection, conversation and play." Pasco Fearon, professor of developmental psychopathology at UCL, said, "Very small or moderate amounts of screen time, particularly for children over two, doesn't seem to be harmful."
The guidance states that time limits should not apply in the same way to screen-based assistive technologies used to support children with special educational needs and disabilities. Stepping away from digital devices to engage with young children can also benefit adult mental health by helping emotional regulation, according to Prof. Sam Wass.